Method and apparatus for a keep alive probe service

ABSTRACT

An approach is provided for determining an optimal keep-alive time period. A request is received from a probe platform for measuring one or more probe values that relate to a keep-alive timer value associated with a network. The device receiving the request then determines to measure whether the one or more probe values comprise one or more successful probe values, one or more unsuccessful probe values, or a combination thereof. The keep-alive timer is then determined based, at least in part, on a statistical analysis of the one or more probe values.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/489,985, filed Jun. 23, 2009, incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

BACKGROUND

Service providers and device manufacturers are continually challenged todeliver value and convenience to consumers by, for example, providingcompelling network services. Important differentiators in the industryare application and network services as well as connectivity of theservices. In particular, keep-alive timers are used by internet protocolapplications in devices to send keep-alive packets to keep a connectionopen to the server on public internet or the device connected to anaccess network. Inadequate keep-alive timer values can lead to the lossof connections or when sent too often, into excessive power consumption.

SOME EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Therefore, there is a need for an approach for informing devices ofoptimal keep-alive timer values.

According to one embodiment, a method comprises receiving a request tomeasure one or more probe values that relate to a keep-alive timer valueassociated with a network. The method also comprises determining tomeasure whether the one or more probe values comprise one or moresuccessful probe values, one or more unsuccessful probe values, or acombination thereof. The keep-alive timer is determined based, at leastin part, on a statistical analysis of the one or more probe values.

According to another embodiment, an apparatus comprising at least oneprocessor, and at least one memory including computer program code forone or more programs, the at least one memory and the computer programcode configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatusto receive a request to measure one or more probe values that relate toa keep-alive timer value associated with a network. The apparatus isfurther caused to determine to measure whether the one or more probevalues comprise one or more successful probe values, one or moreunsuccessful probe values, or a combination thereof. The keep-alivetimer is determined based, at least in part, on a statistical analysisof the one or more probe values.

According to another embodiment, a computer-readable storage mediumcarrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions which, whenexecuted by one or more processors, cause an apparatus to receive arequest to measure one or more probe values that relate to a keep-alivetimer value associated with a network. The apparatus is further causedto determine to measure whether the one or more probe values compriseone or more successful probe values, one or more unsuccessful probevalues, or a combination thereof. The keep-alive timer is determinedbased, at least in part, on a statistical analysis of the one or moreprobe values.

According to another embodiment, an apparatus comprises means forreceiving a request to measure one or more probe values that relate to akeep-alive timer value associated with a network. The apparatus furthercomprises means for determining to measure whether the one or more probevalues comprise one or more successful probe values, one or moreunsuccessful probe values, or a combination thereof. The keep-alivetimer is determined based, at least in part, on a statistical analysisof the one or more probe values.

Still other aspects, features, and advantages of the invention arereadily apparent from the following detailed description, simply byillustrating a number of particular embodiments and implementations,including the best mode contemplated for carrying out the invention. Theinvention is also capable of other and different embodiments, and itsseveral details can be modified in various obvious respects, all withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, thedrawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature,and not as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example, andnot by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a system capable of transmitting optimalkeep-alive timer values, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a diagram of the components of a user equipment that canutilize optimal keep-alive timer values, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a process for utilizing optimal keep-alivetimer values, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a diagram of hardware that can be used to implement anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a diagram of a chip set that can be used to implement anembodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 6 is a diagram of a mobile station (e.g., handset) that can be usedto implement an embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

A method, apparatus, and software for a keep-alive probe service aredisclosed. In the following description, for the purposes ofexplanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to providea thorough understanding of the embodiments of the invention. It isapparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the embodiments of theinvention may be practiced without these specific details or with anequivalent arrangement. In other instances, well-known structures anddevices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarilyobscuring the embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a system capable of transmitting optimalkeep-alive timer values, according to one embodiment. Under the scenarioof FIG. 1, a system 100 involves user equipment (UE) 101 havingconnectivity to a service platform 103 over a communication network 105.The service platform 103 can provide keep-alive time values for the UE101 to stay connected to a network by utilizing a probe platform 107. Akeep-alive application 109 a on the UE 101 can access the probe platform107 to receive the keep-alive timer values and to update the probingservice. Other applications, such as a messaging application 109 n or ane-mail application (not shown) can also be executed on the UE 101 andutilize the optimal keep-alive time value.

In one embodiment, services, like the messaging application 109 n, usekeep-alive timers to stay connected to a service platform 103. Variouspoints (e.g., a gateway 113 a-113 n, a network address translation (NAT)115 a-115 n, a firewall 117 a-117 n, etc.) of the network can drop a UE101 connection. Each of these points can have different inactivity timervalues, which can correspond to the keep-alive maximum timer values. Indevices like a UE 101, it is advantageous to keep the keep-alive timervalue longer. In some embodiments, the optimal value is close to themaximum time. On the route through the various points, the shortestinactivity timer of a route is the effective inactivity timer value. Thetimers along the route are different because different manufacturersmake the different device points and different network administratorsmanage the different device points. In one embodiment, the UE 101 is acellular device. In many cases, there is a firewall 117 or a NAT 115between the cellular UE 101 connected to a cellular network 119 and adata network 121 (e.g. internet). In another embodiment, there is afirewall 117 or NAT 115 between a UE 101 n and a service platform 103.Because a firewall 117 and a NAT 115 are stateful devices, each dropspackets received from the public internet that are not belonging to anyTCP stream or virtual UDP connection opened by a UE 101. In a wiredlocal area networks, sending constant keep-alive packets marginallyaffects the power consumption of the UE 101. However, in a cellularnetwork 119 setting, keep-alive timer settings can have a drastic affecton the standby life of a UE 101. For example a UE 101 with a continuousconnection and a sub-optimal keep-alive timer value may have a standbytime of 10 hours while a UE 101 with a continuous connection and anoptimal keep-alive timer value may have a standby time of 4 days.

To address this problem, a system 100 of FIG. 1 introduces thecapability to determine a statistically determined optimal keep-alivetimer value for UEs 101 based on the connections of the UE 101. In thisembodiment, UEs 101 can obtain information about optimal keep aliveparameters using a keep-alive application 109 a. In another embodiment,the UEs 101 are behind the same gateway 113. In one embodiment, akeep-alive application 109 a of a UE 101 requests a keep-alive timervalue for the network that the UE 101 is connected to. In thisembodiment, a probe platform 107 responds to the keep-alive application109 a with a keep-alive timer value determined by processing informationin a probe database 123. In one embodiment, if the probe database 123has insufficient or stale information, the probe platform 107 canrequest that the UE 101 be a probe for gathering information.

In one embodiment, a connection includes a gateway 113, a NAT 115, afirewall 117, other connection devices, or a combination thereof. Theseconnection devices can be used to connect a UE 101 to a service platform103. Some applications (e.g., instant messaging or e-mail) on the UE 101use connections that should be constantly live to receive updates from aservice platform 103. Multiple devices can be used for routing aconnection from a UE 101 to an endpoint service provider. Each of thedevices may keep a connection alive for a certain period of timeaccording to an inactivity timer value. If the connection of the UE 101is inactive for longer than the inactivity timer value, the connectionis dropped. The connection can be dropped by any one of these devicesused in routing the connection. The connection devices can be moreefficient with shorter inactivity timer values because the connectiondevices can reuse resources. However, a longer inactivity timer valuewould be advantageous to a UE 101 because it would mean less keep-alivepackets need to be sent, saving power. The UE 101 can use a keep-alivetimer value to send a packet (e.g., an empty packet, a data packet,etc.) to keep a connection alive. In some embodiments, the UE 101 cankeep a connection alive for multiple applications 109 using a singlekeep-alive packet.

In one embodiment, the service platform 103 includes a probe database123. The probe database 123 may contain information that can facilitatea probe platform 107 in determining a proper keep-alive timer value fora UE 101 that requests one. In one embodiment, the probe database 123includes information about the specific communication network 105. Forbinding the connection from the UE 101 into the communication networkspecific information, the request from the UE 101 can include a mobilecountry code (MCC), a mobile network code (MNC), an internet protocolsource address, a cellular identifier, a gateway (e.g., a gatewaygeneral packet radio service support node (GGSN)), an access point name,or the like. In one embodiment, an access point name (APN) can be usedto identify a GPRS bearer service. In one embodiment, the probe database123 includes data collected about the connections, such as keep-alivetimer values from probes, and keep-alive timer values from probes thathave lead to a dropped connection. Additionally, the probe database 123can store historical and current keep-alive timer values from probes.Historical keep-alive timer values can be used to keep track of changesto inactivity timer values set by a connection (e.g., a connection canset a shorter inactivity timer value during peak usage hours, aconnection can set a shorter inactivity timer value during holidays, orother patterns).

In one embodiment, the service platform 103 includes a probe platform107. The probe platform 107 can determine optimal keep-alive timervalues for a UE 101 depending on the communication network serving theUE 101. In one embodiment, the probe platform 107 maps GGSN timer valuesbased on a MCC or MNC. The MCC and MNC values can identify a networkprovider or a location associated with the connection of the UE 101. Inone embodiment, this information can be used to map a connection to anoperator. In some embodiments, the equipment and inactivity timingpatterns can be determined through statistical analysis. In anotherembodiment, the probe platform 107 can map GGSN timer inactivity valuesbased on cellular identifiers or the source internet protocol addressdetermined from the request. In one embodiment, the probe platform 107can map a gateway 113, NAT 115 or a combination of the two based on thisinformation. In some embodiments, a combination of connectioninformation is used to determine optimal keep-alive timer values for theUE 101.

In one embodiment, the service platform 103 receives a request for akeep-alive timer value for a specific network. The service platform 103queries a probe database 123 to for information regarding theconnection. In one embodiment, the probe database 123 knows the optimalkeep-alive timer value for the communication network. In thisembodiment, the service platform 103 initiates transmission of theoptimal keep-alive timer value to the UE 101. In another embodiment, theprobe database 123 has information about the earlier measurement data inthat particular communication network, but the optimal keep-alive timervalue is determined using some statistical analysis. In this embodiment,the probe platform 107 can receive current and historical probe valuesfrom a probe database 123. In one embodiment, the probe values includegood probe values that represent probe values that have maintained asuccessful connection, and failed probe values that represent probevalues that have been unsuccessful. In one embodiment, the probeplatform 107 filters out the tail values of the good and failed probevalues (e.g., filter out the greatest and lowest 10% of values). Theprobe platform 107 then calculates an average (e.g., median, mean, orother average) of the remaining good probe values. In one embodiment,average value can represent the optimal keep-alive timer value. Inanother embodiment, the probe platform 107 determines a minimum value ofthe failed probe values. If the average good probe value is shorter thanthe minimum fail probe value, the average value represents an optimalkeep-alive timer value. Otherwise, the minimum fail probe value canrepresent the optimal. In yet another embodiment, the optimal keep-alivetimer value can be multiplied with a safety multiplier to determine asafe optimal keep-alive timer value.

In another embodiment, the probe database 123 has statisticalinformation about the connections from the determined communicationnetwork, but insufficient data to determine an optimal keep-alive timervalue. In this embodiment, the probe platform 107 can select andtransmit a safe keep-alive timer value to send the UE 101. The safekeep-alive timer value can be based on information known about theconnection provider without specific mappings. In this embodiment, theUE 101 requesting the probe service can be used as a probe to gatherinformation about the connection and keep-alive timer values, whichsucceed and which fails. In some embodiments, a connection can havesufficient data to determine an optimal keep-alive timer value at onetime, but not have sufficient data at a later time due to a change inthe service. The change in service can be reflected in an excessivenumber of failed probe notifications being received. In one embodiment,the communication networks having a good enough measurement data todetermine the optimal keep-alive timer value are verified by requestingthe UE 101 make a measurement for verification purpose if the latestmeasurement data is not current.

In one embodiment, the probe platform 107 can determine the regulateprobe connections from clients. In this embodiment, the probe platform107 can block or “blacklist” clients with certain identifiers thatrespond with incorrect probe values. In one embodiment, a client can beblacklisted if it consistently responds with probe values that arefiltered out. In one embodiment, information the blacklisted clientsrespond with will not be used for determining optimal keep-alive timervalues.

As shown in FIG. 1, the system 100 comprises a user equipment (UE) 101having connectivity to the service platform via a communication network105. By way of example, the communication network 105 of system 100includes one or more networks such as a data network (not shown), awireless network (not shown), a telephony network (not shown), or anycombination thereof. It is contemplated that the data network may be anylocal area network (LAN), metropolitan area network (MAN), wide areanetwork (WAN), a public data network (e.g., the Internet), or any othersuitable packet-switched network, such as a commercially owned,proprietary packet-switched network, e.g., a proprietary cable orfiber-optic network. In addition, the wireless network may be, forexample, a cellular network and may employ various technologiesincluding enhanced data rates for global evolution (EDGE), generalpacket radio service (GPRS), global system for mobile communications(GSM), Internet protocol multimedia subsystem (IMS), universal mobiletelecommunications system (UMTS), etc., as well as any other suitablewireless medium, e.g., microwave access (WiMAX), Long Term Evolution(LTE) networks, code division multiple access (CDMA), wideband codedivision multiple access (WCDMA), wireless fidelity (WiFi), satellite,mobile ad-hoc network (MANET), and the like.

The UE 101 is any type of mobile terminal, fixed terminal, or portableterminal including a mobile handset, station, unit, device, multimediatablet, Internet node, communicator, desktop computer, laptop computer,Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), or any combination thereof. It isalso contemplated that the UE 101 can support any type of interface tothe user (such as “wearable” circuitry, etc.).

By way of example, the UE 101 and the service platform 103 communicatewith each other and other components of the communication network 105using well known, new or still developing protocols. In this context, aprotocol includes a set of rules defining how the network nodes withinthe communication network 105 interact with each other based oninformation sent over the communication links. The protocols areeffective at different layers of operation within each node, fromgenerating and receiving physical signals of various types, to selectinga link for transferring those signals, to the format of informationindicated by those signals, to identifying which software applicationexecuting on a computer system sends or receives the information. Theconceptually different layers of protocols for exchanging informationover a network are described in the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI)Reference Model.

Communications between the network nodes are typically effected byexchanging discrete packets of data. Each packet typically comprises (1)header information associated with a particular protocol, and (2)payload information that follows the header information and containsinformation that may be processed independently of that particularprotocol. In some protocols, the packet includes (3) trailer informationfollowing the payload and indicating the end of the payload information.The header includes information such as the source of the packet, itsdestination, the length of the payload, and other properties used by theprotocol. Often, the data in the payload for the particular protocolincludes a header and payload for a different protocol associated with adifferent, higher layer of the OSI Reference Model. The header for aparticular protocol typically indicates a type for the next protocolcontained in its payload. The higher layer protocol is said to beencapsulated in the lower layer protocol. The headers included in apacket traversing multiple heterogeneous networks, such as the Internet,typically include a physical (layer 1) header, a data-link (layer 2)header, an internetwork (layer 3) header and a transport (layer 4)header, and various application headers (layer 5, layer 6 and layer 7)as defined by the OSI Reference Model.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of the components of a user equipment 101 that canutilize optimal keep-alive timer values, according to one embodiment. Byway of example, the UE 101 includes one or more components for utilizingkeep-alive timer values. It is contemplated that the functions of thesecomponents may be combined in one or more components or performed byother components of equivalent functionality. In this embodiment, the UE101 includes a power module 201, a service interface module 203, aruntime module 205, a memory module 207, a keep-alive module 209, a userinterface 211, and a connection module 213.

The power module 201 provides power to the UE 101. The power module 201can include any type of power source (e.g., battery, plug-in, etc.).Additionally, the power module can provide power to the components ofthe UE 101 including processors, memory, and transmitters.

In one embodiment, the UE 101 includes a user interface 211. The userinterface 211 can be used to display information to a user. The userinterface 211 can be used to display an application 109 to a user. Inone embodiment, the application 109 can utilize a service (e.g.,messaging, e-mail, news feeds, etc.) that requires a connection to becontinuously live.

In one embodiment, the UE 101 includes a service interface module 203.The service interface module 203 is used by a runtime module 205 torequest and receive services from the service platform 103. In oneembodiment some services (e.g., instant messaging, e-mail notification,news feeds, etc.) can require a continuous live connection. Theapplication interface module 203 can use multiple communicationstechnologies to communicate with a service platform 103. For example,the application interface module 203 can interface with the serviceplatform 103 using a wireless local area network (WLAN), or a cellularnetwork.

In one embodiment, the UE 101 can include a connection module 213. Theruntime module 205 can use the connection module 213 to retrieve data(e.g., data regarding MCC, MNC, internet protocol address, a cellularidentifier, gateway, etc.) about a connection device that the UE 101 isconnected to. The information can be stored in a memory module 207. Inone embodiment, the runtime module 205 relays this information to aprobe platform 107 via the service interface module 203. In anotherembodiment, this information is used to request a keep-alive timer valuefrom the probe platform 107. The probe platform 107 can determine anoptimal keep-alive timer value for the UE 101 to use. The probe platform107 can calculate this value using information from other UEs 101utilizing services associated with the probe platform 107. In thisembodiment, the runtime module 205 receives the keep-alive timer valueand sets the value in a keep-alive module 209. The UE 101 uses thekeep-alive timer value until the user leaves the network or anotherevent occurs causing the UE 101 to request a new keep-alive timer value.

In one embodiment, the probe platform 107 can request the UE 101 to actas a probe to gather information about the connection. In oneembodiment, the UE 101 performs a probing session requested by the probeplatform 107. In this embodiment, the UE 101 requests a keep-alive timervalue from the probe platform 107. The probe platform 107 returns aresponse including a request for the UE 101 to act as a probe andindicating a keep-alive timer value. In one embodiment, this value is aprobe value used by the probe platform 107 to gather information. Inthis embodiment, the keep-alive module 209 can set a keep-alive timervalue as instructed by the probe platform 107. The keep-alive module 209can then wait a period corresponding to the keep-alive timer value andthen send another request for an updated keep-alive timer value. Theprobe platform 107 can respond with an updated keep-alive timer valuethat increases the timer period. The runtime module 205 updates thekeep-alive module 209 timer value. In one embodiment, the keep-alivemodule 209 waits the period and attempts another request for an updatedkeep-alive timer value. In this embodiment, the connection has beendropped by one of the devices 113,115 or 117 on the route. The runtimemodule 205 waits a timeout period and then sets up a new connection andsends another request for an updated keep-alive timer value whilereporting the connection failure. The probe platform 107 or the runtimemodule 205 then decreases the keep-alive timer value period. The processis followed until the maximum successful keep-alive time value andminimum failed one are found and it is not needed to update thekeep-alive timer period any longer. The determination can be from a setnumber of probing iterations (e.g., 10 iterations), or after a standardis met (e.g., a good timeout period following a decrease in keep-alivetimer value because of a failed keep-alive timer value). The runtimemodule 205 can transmit information about the good keep-alive timervalues and failed keep-alive timer values back to the probe platform107, which may store the values in a probe database 123.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a process for obtaining optimal keep-alivetimer values, according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, a probeplatform 107 performs the process 300 and is implemented in, forinstance, a chip set including a processor and a memory as shown FIG. 5.In step 301, the probe platform 107 receives a request from a UE 101 fora keep-alive timer value. In one embodiment, the UE 101 initiates therequest when served by a communication network such as a cellular,WiMAX, or satellite network, but not when connected via Wifi.

At step 303, the probe platform 107 determines network informationassociated with the request. In one embodiment, the request specifiesnetwork information related to a network serving the user equipment. Inone embodiment, network information includes information used toidentify a connection (e.g., a MCC, a MNC, an internet protocol sourceaddress, a cellular identifier, a gateway, etc).

At step 305, the probe platform 107 determines if there is adequateprobe data to determine the optimal keep-alive timer value. In oneembodiment, there is adequate probe data if there has been at least aset number of probing sessions for the connection identified by thenetwork information. In this embodiment, the set number can be aconfiguration parameter set in a probe database 123. In one embodiment,each UE 101 that requests probe information is asked to complete a probesession until adequate probe data is obtained.

At step 307, if there is inadequate probe data, the probe platform 107returns a safe value for the keep-alive time to be used by theapplications (e.g. messaging) as a temporary value before the optimalvalue is found and requests the UE 101 to perform a measurement. In thisembodiment, the UE 101 performs a probing session. At step 309, theprobe platform 107 receives session data from the probing session oncethe probing session is completed. In one embodiment, the probe platform107 can use a starting probe value associated with the networkinformation. In this embodiment, the probing session can yield dataabout successful keep-alive timer probe values and unsuccessfulkeep-alive timer probe values. In one embodiment, the values are storedin a probe database 123. In another embodiment, the probe platform 107initiates transmission to inform the UE 101 of a keep-alive timer valuebased on this information. In yet another embodiment, the probe platform107 determines an optimal keep-alive timer value for the UE 101.

At step 311, the probe platform 107 determines the requested keep-alivetimer value based on the communication network information. In oneembodiment, the probe platform 107 parses the network information to mapgateways based on MCC, MNC, source internet protocol address, or cellidentifiers. In another embodiment, the probe platform 107 determinesnetwork information based on global positioning system (GPS)coordinates. In this embodiment, the probe platform 107 can tracknetworks associated with certain GPS coordinates and store theassociated GPS coordinates in a probe database 123. In otherembodiments, the network information can be used to map the UE 101 to anetwork. In one embodiment, the probe platform 107 associates the UE 101with a particular GGNS. The probe platform 107 then determines anoptimal keep-alive timer value associated with that gateway or othernetwork information mapping. The optimal keep-alive time value may havebeen obtained from the service provider. When it is not possible toobtain the optimal keep-alive value in that way, it may be determinedstatistically.

The probe platform 107 queries a probe database 123 for successful andunsuccessful probe values. Successful probe values and unsuccessfulprobe values can be received from a plurality of UEs 101 that areassociated with the network information mapping and stored in the probedatabase 123. In one embodiment, the plurality of UEs 101 can havecommon network information. In one embodiment, the probe platform 107filters these probe values to remove outlying values that couldintroduce error into the determination.

At step 313, probe platform 107 determines an average of successfulprobe values associated with the network information mapping. Theaverage could be a median, a mean, or other statistical model. In oneembodiment, this average successful value is an optimal keep-alive timervalue. In another embodiment, more calculations are involved in thedetermination.

At step 315, the probe platform 107 determines a minimum unsuccessfulvalue of the unsuccessful probe values. The unsuccessful probe valuesrepresent a maximum keep-alive timer value that had become disconnected.The minimum unsuccessful value represents a keep-alive timer value closeto an optimal value. In one embodiment, the minimum unsuccessful valueis determined from values that have been filtered to eliminate outliervalues. In one embodiment, the optimal keep-alive timer value is astatistical determination (e.g., an average, a weighted average, etc.)of the average successful value is lower than the minimum unsuccessfulvalue. In another embodiment, the optimal keep-alive timer value is theminimum unsuccessful value modified by a safety parameter. The safetyparameter can be, for example, a value that the minimum unsuccessfulvalue is multiplied by to determine a safe value, as the minimumunsuccessful value may not be safe because it is known to fail. Inanother embodiment, the safety parameter can be an average of theaverage successful value and the minimum unsuccessful value. At step317, the probe platform 107 initiates transmission of an optimalkeep-alive timer value based on its determination.

With the above approach, a UE 101 can use services from a serviceplatform 103 that require a continuous connection with optimalkeep-alive parameters determined by a probe platform 107. Because theoptimal keep-alive parameter is determined by the probe platform 107,each UE 101 does not have to separately attempt to discover thekeep-alive timer value. In this manner, the UE 101 can rely on datagathered by other UEs 101. Because the probe platform 107 determines thekeep-alive parameter based on network information associated with the UE101 and other UEs 101, the keep-alive timer value is tailored to the UE101 served by the specific communication network. The optimal keep-aliveparameter keeps the UE 101 connected to the network with fewerunnecessary keep-alive transmissions, thereby saving battery life.

The processes described herein for providing an optimal keep-alive timervalue may be advantageously implemented via software, hardware (e.g.,general processor, Digital Signal Processing (DSP) chip, an ApplicationSpecific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), Field Programmable Gate Arrays(FPGAs), etc.), firmware or a combination thereof. Such exemplaryhardware for performing the described functions is detailed below.

FIG. 4 illustrates a computer system 400 upon which an embodiment of theinvention may be implemented. Computer system 400 is programmed (e.g.,via computer program code or instructions) to provide an optimalkeep-alive timer value as described herein and includes a communicationmechanism such as a bus 410 for passing information between otherinternal and external components of the computer system 400. Information(also called data) is represented as a physical expression of ameasurable phenomenon, typically electric voltages, but including, inother embodiments, such phenomena as magnetic, electromagnetic,pressure, chemical, biological, molecular, atomic, sub-atomic andquantum interactions. For example, north and south magnetic fields, or azero and non-zero electric voltage, represent two states (0, 1) of abinary digit (bit). Other phenomena can represent digits of a higherbase. A superposition of multiple simultaneous quantum states beforemeasurement represents a quantum bit (qubit). A sequence of one or moredigits constitutes digital data that is used to represent a number orcode for a character. In some embodiments, information called analogdata is represented by a near continuum of measurable values within aparticular range.

A bus 410 includes one or more parallel conductors of information sothat information is transferred quickly among devices coupled to the bus410. One or more processors 402 for processing information are coupledwith the bus 410.

A processor 402 performs a set of operations on information as specifiedby computer program code related to providing an optimal keep-alivetimer value. The computer program code is a set of instructions orstatements providing instructions for the operation of the processorand/or the computer system to perform specified functions. The code, forexample, may be written in a computer programming language that iscompiled into a native instruction set of the processor. The code mayalso be written directly using the native instruction set (e.g., machinelanguage). The set of operations include bringing information in fromthe bus 410 and placing information on the bus 410. The set ofoperations also typically include comparing two or more units ofinformation, shifting positions of units of information, and combiningtwo or more units of information, such as by addition or multiplicationor logical operations like OR, exclusive OR (XOR), and AND. Eachoperation of the set of operations that can be performed by theprocessor is represented to the processor by information calledinstructions, such as an operation code of one or more digits. Asequence of operations to be executed by the processor 402, such as asequence of operation codes, constitute processor instructions, alsocalled computer system instructions or, simply, computer instructions.Processors may be implemented as mechanical, electrical, magnetic,optical, chemical or quantum components, among others, alone or incombination.

Computer system 400 also includes a memory 404 coupled to bus 410. Thememory 404, such as a random access memory (RAM) or other dynamicstorage device, stores information including processor instructions forproviding an optimal keep-alive timer value. Dynamic memory allowsinformation stored therein to be changed by the computer system 400. RAMallows a unit of information stored at a location called a memoryaddress to be stored and retrieved independently of information atneighboring addresses. The memory 404 is also used by the processor 402to store temporary values during execution of processor instructions.The computer system 400 also includes a read only memory (ROM) 406 orother static storage device coupled to the bus 410 for storing staticinformation, including instructions, that is not changed by the computersystem 400. Some memory is composed of volatile storage that loses theinformation stored thereon when power is lost. Also coupled to bus 410is a non-volatile (persistent) storage device 408, such as a magneticdisk, optical disk or flash card, for storing information, includinginstructions, that persists even when the computer system 400 is turnedoff or otherwise loses power.

Information, including instructions for providing the optimal keep-alivetimer value, is provided to the bus 410 for use by the processor from anexternal input device 412, such as a keyboard containing alphanumerickeys operated by a human user, or a sensor. A sensor detects conditionsin its vicinity and transforms those detections into physical expressioncompatible with the measurable phenomenon used to represent informationin computer system 400. Other external devices coupled to bus 410, usedprimarily for interacting with humans, include a display device 414,such as a cathode ray tube (CRT) or a liquid crystal display (LCD), orplasma screen or printer for presenting text or images, and a pointingdevice 416, such as a mouse or a trackball or cursor direction keys, ormotion sensor, for controlling a position of a small cursor imagepresented on the display 414 and issuing commands associated withgraphical elements presented on the display 414. In some embodiments,for example, in embodiments in which the computer system 400 performsall functions automatically without human input, one or more of externalinput device 412, display device 414 and pointing device 416 is omitted.

In the illustrated embodiment, special purpose hardware, such as anapplication specific integrated circuit (ASIC) 420, is coupled to bus410. The special purpose hardware is configured to perform operationsnot performed by processor 402 quickly enough for special purposes.Examples of application specific ICs include graphics accelerator cardsfor generating images for display 414, cryptographic boards forencrypting and decrypting messages sent over a network, speechrecognition, and interfaces to special external devices, such as roboticarms and medical scanning equipment that repeatedly perform some complexsequence of operations that are more efficiently implemented inhardware.

Computer system 400 also includes one or more instances of acommunications interface 470 coupled to bus 410. Communication interface470 provides a one-way or two-way communication coupling to a variety ofexternal devices that operate with their own processors, such asprinters, scanners and external disks. In general the coupling is with anetwork link 478 that is connected to a local network 480 to which avariety of external devices with their own processors are connected. Forexample, communication interface 470 may be a parallel port or a serialport or a universal serial bus (USB) port on a personal computer. Insome embodiments, communications interface 470 is an integrated servicesdigital network (ISDN) card or a digital subscriber line (DSL) card or atelephone modem that provides an information communication connection toa corresponding type of telephone line. In some embodiments, acommunication interface 470 is a cable modem that converts signals onbus 410 into signals for a communication connection over a coaxial cableor into optical signals for a communication connection over a fiberoptic cable. As another example, communications interface 470 may be alocal area network (LAN) card to provide a data communication connectionto a compatible LAN, such as Ethernet. Wireless links may also beimplemented. For wireless links, the communications interface 470 sendsor receives or both sends and receives electrical, acoustic orelectromagnetic signals, including infrared and optical signals, thatcarry information streams, such as digital data. For example, inwireless handheld devices, such as mobile telephones like cell phones,the communications interface 470 includes a radio band electromagnetictransmitter and receiver called a radio transceiver. In certainembodiments, the communications interface 470 enables connection to thecommunication network 105 for providing an optimal keep-alive timervalue to the UE 101.

The term computer-readable medium is used herein to refer to any mediumthat participates in providing information to processor 402, includinginstructions for execution. Such a medium may take many forms,including, but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media andtransmission media. Non-volatile media include, for example, optical ormagnetic disks, such as storage device 408. Volatile media include, forexample, dynamic memory 404. Transmission media include, for example,coaxial cables, copper wire, fiber optic cables, and carrier waves thattravel through space without wires or cables, such as acoustic waves andelectromagnetic waves, including radio, optical and infrared waves.Signals include man-made transient variations in amplitude, frequency,phase, polarization or other physical properties transmitted through thetransmission media. Common forms of computer-readable media include, forexample, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, anyother magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, CDRW, DVD, any other optical medium,punch cards, paper tape, optical mark sheets, any other physical mediumwith patterns of holes or other optically recognizable indicia, a RAM, aPROM, an EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, acarrier wave, or any other medium from which a computer can read. Theterm computer-readable storage medium is used herein to refer to anycomputer-readable medium except transmission media.

FIG. 5 illustrates a chip set 500 upon which an embodiment of theinvention may be implemented. Chip set 500 is programmed to provide anoptimal keep-alive timer value as described herein and includes, forinstance, the processor and memory components described with respect toFIG. 4 incorporated in one or more physical packages (e.g., chips). Byway of example, a physical package includes an arrangement of one ormore materials, components, and/or wires on a structural assembly (e.g.,a baseboard) to provide one or more characteristics such as physicalstrength, conservation of size, and/or limitation of electricalinteraction. It is contemplated that in certain embodiments the chip setcan be implemented in a single chip.

In one embodiment, the chip set 500 includes a communication mechanismsuch as a bus 501 for passing information among the components of thechip set 500. A processor 503 has connectivity to the bus 501 to executeinstructions and process information stored in, for example, a memory505. The processor 503 may include one or more processing cores witheach core configured to perform independently. A multi-core processorenables multiprocessing within a single physical package. Examples of amulti-core processor include two, four, eight, or greater numbers ofprocessing cores. Alternatively or in addition, the processor 503 mayinclude one or more microprocessors configured in tandem via the bus 501to enable independent execution of instructions, pipelining, andmultithreading. The processor 503 may also be accompanied with one ormore specialized components to perform certain processing functions andtasks such as one or more digital signal processors (DSP) 507, or one ormore application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC) 509. A DSP 507typically is configured to process real-world signals (e.g., sound) inreal time independently of the processor 503. Similarly, an ASIC 509 canbe configured to performed specialized functions not easily performed bya general purposed processor. Other specialized components to aid inperforming the inventive functions described herein include one or morefield programmable gate arrays (FPGA) (not shown), one or morecontrollers (not shown), or one or more other special-purpose computerchips.

The processor 503 and accompanying components have connectivity to thememory 505 via the bus 501. The memory 505 includes both dynamic memory(e.g., RAM, magnetic disk, writable optical disk, etc.) and staticmemory (e.g., ROM, CD-ROM, etc.) for storing executable instructionsthat when executed perform the inventive steps described herein toprovide an optimal keep-alive timer value. The memory 505 also storesthe data associated with or generated by the execution of the inventivesteps.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of exemplary components of a mobile station (e.g.,handset) capable of operating in the system of FIG. 1, according to oneembodiment. Generally, a radio receiver is often defined in terms offront-end and back-end characteristics. The front-end of the receiverencompasses all of the Radio Frequency (RF) circuitry whereas theback-end encompasses all of the base-band processing circuitry.Pertinent internal components of the telephone include a Main ControlUnit (MCU) 603, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) 605, and areceiver/transmitter unit including a microphone gain control unit and aspeaker gain control unit. A main display unit 607 provides a display tothe user in support of various applications and mobile station functionsthat offer automatic contact matching. An audio function circuitry 609includes a microphone 611 and microphone amplifier that amplifies thespeech signal output from the microphone 611. The amplified speechsignal output from the microphone 711 is fed to a coder/decoder (CODEC)613.

A radio section 615 amplifies power and converts frequency in order tocommunicate with a base station, which is included in a mobilecommunication system, via antenna 617. The power amplifier (PA) 619 andthe transmitter/modulation circuitry are operationally responsive to theMCU 603, with an output from the PA 619 coupled to the duplexer 621 orcirculator or antenna switch, as known in the art. The PA 619 alsocouples to a battery interface and power control unit 620.

In use, a user of mobile station 601 speaks into the microphone 611 andhis or her voice along with any detected background noise is convertedinto an analog voltage. The analog voltage is then converted into adigital signal through the Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) 623. Thecontrol unit 603 routes the digital signal into the DSP 605 forprocessing therein, such as speech encoding, channel encoding,encrypting, and interleaving. In one embodiment, the processed voicesignals are encoded, by units not separately shown, using a cellulartransmission protocol such as global evolution (EDGE), general packetradio service (GPRS), global system for mobile communications (GSM),Internet protocol multimedia subsystem (IMS), universal mobiletelecommunications system (UMTS), etc., as well as any other suitablewireless medium, e.g., microwave access (WiMAX), Long Term Evolution(LTE) networks, code division multiple access (CDMA), wideband codedivision multiple access (WCDMA), wireless fidelity (WiFi), satellite,and the like.

The encoded signals are then routed to an equalizer 625 for compensationof any frequency-dependent impairments that occur during transmissionthough the air such as phase and amplitude distortion. After equalizingthe bit stream, the modulator 627 combines the signal with a RF signalgenerated in the RF interface 629. The modulator 627 generates a sinewave by way of frequency or phase modulation. In order to prepare thesignal for transmission, an up-converter 631 combines the sine waveoutput from the modulator 627 with another sine wave generated by asynthesizer 633 to achieve the desired frequency of transmission. Thesignal is then sent through a PA 619 to increase the signal to anappropriate power level. In practical systems, the PA 619 acts as avariable gain amplifier whose gain is controlled by the DSP 605 frominformation received from a network base station. The signal is thenfiltered within the duplexer 621 and optionally sent to an antennacoupler 635 to match impedances to provide maximum power transfer.Finally, the signal is transmitted via antenna 617 to a local basestation. An automatic gain control (AGC) can be supplied to control thegain of the final stages of the receiver. The signals may be forwardedfrom there to a remote telephone which may be another cellulartelephone, other mobile phone or a land-line connected to a PublicSwitched Telephone Network (PSTN), or other telephony networks.

Voice signals transmitted to the mobile station 601 are received viaantenna 617 and immediately amplified by a low noise amplifier (LNA)637. A down-converter 639 lowers the carrier frequency while thedemodulator 641 strips away the RF leaving only a digital bit stream.The signal then goes through the equalizer 625 and is processed by theDSP 605. A Digital to Analog Converter (DAC) 643 converts the signal andthe resulting output is transmitted to the user through the speaker 645,all under control of a Main Control Unit (MCU) 603—which can beimplemented as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) (not shown).

The MCU 603 receives various signals including input signals from thekeyboard 647. The keyboard 647 and/or the MCU 603 in combination withother user input components (e.g., the microphone 611) comprise a userinterface circuitry for managing user input. The MCU 603 runs a userinterface software to facilitate user control of at least some functionsof the mobile station 601 to provide an optimal keep-alive timer value.The MCU 603 also delivers a display command and a switch command to thedisplay 607 and to the speech output switching controller, respectively.Further, the MCU 603 exchanges information with the DSP 605 and canaccess an optionally incorporated SIM card 649 and a memory 651. Inaddition, the MCU 603 executes various control functions required of thestation. The DSP 605 may, depending upon the implementation, perform anyof a variety of conventional digital processing functions on the voicesignals. Additionally, DSP 605 determines the background noise level ofthe local environment from the signals detected by microphone 611 andsets the gain of microphone 611 to a level selected to compensate forthe natural tendency of the user of the mobile station 601.

The CODEC 613 includes the ADC 623 and DAC 643. The memory 651 storesvarious data including call incoming tone data and is capable of storingother data including music data received via, e.g., the global Internet.The software module could reside in RAM memory, flash memory, registers,or any other form of writable storage medium known in the art. Thememory device 651 may be, but not limited to, a single memory, CD, DVD,ROM, RAM, EEPROM, optical storage, or any other non-volatile storagemedium capable of storing digital data.

An optionally incorporated SIM card 649 carries, for instance, importantinformation, such as the cellular phone number, the carrier supplyingservice, subscription details, and security information. The SIM card649 serves primarily to identify the mobile station 601 on a radionetwork. The card 649 also contains a memory for storing a personaltelephone number registry, text messages, and user specific mobilestation settings.

While the invention has been described in connection with a number ofembodiments and implementations, the invention is not so limited butcovers various obvious modifications and equivalent arrangements, whichfall within the purview of the appended claims. Although features of theinvention are expressed in certain combinations among the claims, it iscontemplated that these features can be arranged in any combination andorder.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: receiving a request tomeasure one or more probe values that relate to a keep-alive timer valueassociated with a network; and determining to measure whether the one ormore probe values comprise one or more successful probe values, one ormore unsuccessful probe values, or a combination thereof, wherein thekeep-alive timer is determined based, at least in part, on a statisticalanalysis of the one or more probe values.
 2. A method of claim 1,further comprising: determining one or more other keep-alive timervalues for measurement from the one or more probe values, wherein theone or more successful probe values include the one or more otherkeep-alive timer values that maintain a network connection, and whereinthe one or more unsuccessful probe values include the one or more otherkeep-alive timer values that lead to a dropping of the networkconnection.
 3. A method of claim 1, wherein the statistical analysis isperformed on the probe values in combination with one or more otherprobe values collected from one or more other devices in the network. 4.A method of claim 1, further comprising: causing, at least in part, ageneration of another request for the keep-alive timer value; anddetermining to use the keep-alive timer value to maintain one or morenetwork connections.
 5. A method of claim 4, further comprising:determining whether to initiate the another request based, at least inpart, on a type of the one or more network connections.
 6. A method ofclaim 1, further comprising: determining location information associatedwith a device measuring the one or more probe values; and causing, atleast in part, an association of the location information with one ormore results of measuring the one or more probe values.
 7. A method ofclaim 6, wherein the keep-alive timer is further determined based, atleast in part, on the location information.
 8. An apparatus comprising:at least one processor; and at least one memory including computerprogram code for one or more programs, the at least one memory and thecomputer program code configured to, with the at least one processor,cause the apparatus to perform at least the following, receive a requestto measure one or more probe values that relate to a keep-alive timervalue associated with a network; and determine to measure whether theone or more probe values comprise one or more successful probe values,one or more unsuccessful probe values, or a combination thereof, whereinthe keep-alive timer is determined based, at least in part, on astatistical analysis of the one or more probe values.
 9. An apparatus ofclaim 8, wherein the apparatus is further caused to: determining one ormore other keep-alive timer values for measurement from the one or moreprobe values, wherein the one or more successful probe values includethe one or more other keep-alive timer values that maintain a networkconnection, and wherein the one or more unsuccessful probe valuesinclude the one or more other keep-alive timer values that lead to adropping of the network connection.
 10. An apparatus of claim 8, whereinthe statistical analysis is performed on the probe values in combinationwith one or more other probe values collected from one or more otherdevices in the network.
 11. An apparatus of claim 8, wherein theapparatus is further caused to: causing, at least in part, a generationof another request for the keep-alive timer value; and determining touse the keep-alive timer value to maintain one or more networkconnections.
 12. An apparatus of claim 11, wherein the apparatus isfurther caused to: determining whether to initiate the another requestbased, at least in part, on a type of the one or more networkconnections.
 13. An apparatus of claim 8, wherein the apparatus isfurther caused to: determining location information associated with adevice measuring the one or more probe values; and causing, at least inpart, an association of the location information with one or moreresults of measuring the one or more probe values.
 14. An apparatus ofclaim 13, wherein the keep-alive timer is further determined based, atleast in part, on the location information.
 15. A computer-readablestorage medium carrying one or more sequences of one or moreinstructions which, when executed by one or more processors, cause anapparatus to perform at least the following: receiving a request tomeasure one or more probe values that relate to a keep-alive timer valueassociated with a network; and determining to measure whether the one ormore probe values comprise one or more successful probe values, one ormore unsuccessful probe values, or a combination thereof, wherein thekeep-alive timer is determined based, at least in part, on a statisticalanalysis of the one or more probe values.
 16. A computer-readablestorage medium of claim 15, wherein the apparatus is further caused toperform: determining one or more other keep-alive timer values formeasurement from the one or more probe values, wherein the one or moresuccessful probe values include the one or more other keep-alive timervalues that maintain a network connection, and wherein the one or moreunsuccessful probe values include the one or more other keep-alive timervalues that lead to a dropping of the network connection.
 17. Acomputer-readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein the statisticalanalysis is performed on the probe values in combination with one ormore other probe values collected from one or more other devices in thenetwork.
 18. A computer-readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein theapparatus is further caused to perform: causing, at least in part, ageneration of another request for the keep-alive timer value; anddetermining to use the keep-alive timer value to maintain one or morenetwork connections.
 19. A computer-readable storage medium of claim 18,wherein the apparatus is further caused to perform: determining whetherto initiate the another request based, at least in part, on a type ofthe one or more network connections.
 20. A computer-readable storagemedium of claim 15, wherein the apparatus is further caused to perform:determining location information associated with a device measuring theone or more probe values; and causing, at least in part, an associationof the location information with one or more results of measuring theone or more probe values, wherein the keep-alive timer is furtherdetermined based, at least in part, on the location information.